CBS for sale, sort of

NEW YORK -- CBS is auctioning off everything but the kitchen sink to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation -- and promote the network's new fall season.

The network will put up for bid on eBay from Sept. 8-26 a slew of CBS memorabilia and celebrity experiences, such as David Caruso's "CSI: Miami" sunglasses or dinner with Rupert Boneham of "Survivor: All-Stars" fame.

"People have a great affinity for these shows," George Schweitzer, CBS vice president of marketing and communications, said Thursday. "People love their reality shows. People love 'CSI.' Now they can have a part of these shows while celebrating the new season."

Not hungry for dinner with Boneham? How about dance lessons with Tom "Big Tom" Buchanan, also from "Survivor: All-Stars"? Not a "Survivor" fan? Take a tour of the "Big Brother" house instead. Know a CBS soap lover who's about to get hitched? She can walk down the aisle in a wedding dress worn by Brooke Logan Forrester from "The Bold and the Beautiful" or Harley Davidson Cooper from "Guiding Light."

"We looked for items at all different levels," said Schweitzer. "Some are priceless and some are attainable."

On the attainable side are signed photos of CBS cast members while the not-so-attainable include forecasting the weather on "The Early Show." There are plenty of tickets, too. Access to the 100th "CSI" episode party, the "Survivor: Vanuatu -- Islands of Fire" finale and the Country Music Awards show will be available.

"We are simply thrilled to be the beneficiary of CBS' one-of-a-kind auction and help kick off their exciting fall lineup," said Kate Carr, president and chief executive officer of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "This is a great opportunity for people everywhere to have an extraordinary TV experience and help save the lives of children around the world at the same time."

Video trailers of new CBS shows will be available on the special eBay Web page.

Schweitzer and his marketing team brainstormed 50 to 60 ideas for the auction, which took months to coordinate with staff from CBS shows.

What would Schweitzer prefer to take home?

"I'd love to have the mat from 'The Amazing Race' that the contestants land on when they're Philiminated," said Schweitzer, referring to what happens when the show's host, Phil Keoghan, eliminates racers from the reality TV game show.

Yes, even the mat -- and a necklace worn by Keoghan -- are up for auction.

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